RCB captain gets emotional after seeing the condition of bowlers in T20 cricket, Rajat Patidar said this on shifting to Ahmedabad

Rajat Patidar Statement: Ahead of the first Qualifier match of the Indian Premier League 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar spoke openly on the increasing challenges faced by bowlers in modern T20 cricket. In the press conference held before the important match against Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala, he admitted that in the current era, big scores have become common, due to which additional pressure has increased on the bowlers. He also gave his reaction on the ongoing discussion regarding the venue of IPL final.

T20 cricket has become challenging for bowlers

Rajat Patidar said that now even a score of 220 to 250 runs is not considered safe in T20 cricket. According to him, factors like batting-friendly pitches, small grounds and dew are increasing the difficulties for the bowlers. He said that especially fast bowlers have to be very cautious, because even a small mistake becomes an opportunity for the batsman to play a big shot. Patidar believes that in the current conditions, it has become more difficult than before for bowlers to deliver consistently effective performances.

The focus is on performance, not on pitch and conditions.

The RCB captain made it clear that the team’s focus is not on the pitch or weather conditions, but on its performance. He said that players try to give their best in the conditions that are provided to them. Patidar admitted that the nature of the wickets or the match conditions are not under his control, so the team only focuses on executing its plans properly.

Gave a balanced answer on the final’s venue controversy

Patidar also gave a balanced response to the question raised about holding the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad instead of Bengaluru. He said that the decision on the venue is a matter for the board and the organizers and the entire focus of the team is currently on making it to the finals. He said that Ahmedabad is a prestigious cricket ground and wherever the final is held, the players will take the field with the same enthusiasm.

RCB’s strength is bowling attack

Regarding the match against Gujarat Titans, Patidar said that both the teams have been playing excellent cricket throughout the season. In such a situation, only that team will win which will take better decisions in moments of pressure and implement its strategy effectively. He described RCB’s bowling unit as the biggest strength of the team. According to Patidar, taking wickets in the powerplay will be an important part of his strategy. He also praised the fast bowling trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Rasik Salam.

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Patidar did not give any clear information regarding the availability of opening batsman Phil Salt, who returned after treatment in England. He told that Salt is completely fit and is also practicing, but the team management has not yet decided on the final eleven. In such a situation, the final decision regarding his presence in Qualifier-1 will be taken before the match.